35-Year-Old Firefighter Honored in West Dundee Procession
Dozens of engines escorted a funeral parade through closed streets to honor Greg Witt, who died Oct. 25.
By Andrew Hayes ·
West Dundee, Ill. A black ribbon tied to a fire engine marked the start of a funeral procession on Friday morning. The event honored Greg Witt, 35, a Rutland-Dundee Fire Protection District member who died on Oct. 25. Witt suffered a medical emergency during a training exercise on Oct. 21.
Dozens of fire engines and first responders from local agencies moved along closed roads. The procession traveled from West Dundee to the Pingree Grove area. Residents lined the streets to watch the units pass. One resident displayed a large American flag to recognize Witt’s service.
Chief Christopher Reedy of the Rutland-Dundee fire team described Witt as a “member of our family.” Reedy noted that Witt served his country as a Marine and the local community as a firefighter. He stated that Witt did both roles with honor. Reedy added that the department’s hearts are with Witt’s family and the members who served alongside him.
The district is helping Witt’s family establish a scholarship fund in his honor. The Rutland-Dundee FPD Memorial Fund will support future students. Witt’s obituary stated that this scholarship will allow his legacy of service and compassion to continue making a difference for future generations.
Witt joined the Rutland-Dundee fire team in 2019. He previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2013 to 2018. According to his obituary, he graduated from Jacobs High School in Algonquin in 2009. He earned an associate degree in Fire Science and Safety from Elgin Community College in 2020.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker ordered flags lowered from sunrise Thursday to sundown Friday. A resolution accompanied the order, calling Witt a “valiant and passionate public servant.” The village of West Dundee also issued a statement honoring his dedicated service to the community.
The St. Charles Fire Department posted condolences for the loss. The department stated that words cannot fill the void left when they lose a brother or sister. The Rutland-Dundee fire district serves Gilberts, Sleepy Hollow, and surrounding unincorporated Kane County communities. It frequently provides mutual aid to East Dundee, West Dundee, and Carpentersville.
